Artist's Statement

Colleen Sgroi

"Touching the hearts of others is my greatest joy. It is this place from which all of my art comes. When I paint I start with a story in my head. Sometimes it is a one-word story like love or joy."

Colleen's paintings, puzzles, calendars and prints are sold all over the world. In 1988 she began painting again and did her first art show in Miami, FL where she placed 2nd in oils. She was discovered by a NYC art publisher who printed and distributed her folk art internationally. Colleen's paintings have been used in films made by Disney, Lions Gate Films and Fox Entertainment's Gracepoint miniseries.

The opening of Colleen Sgroi Gallery & Art Classes began in 2002. Teaching art is one of her passions. Colleen loves to inspire others to live into their own potential and tells her students "You are the boss of your own painting." Eighteen years later in August of 2020 Colleen closed her Gallery due to COVID-19 and moved her studio into her home where she paints and films her own watercolor classes for on-line lessons. She now reaches students all over the USA and Canada.

In 2017 Colleen began to illustrate children's books. Her first book, Worry Bee, is in its 3rd run and is now available in hardcover. Her second book, Mindful Moon, won a Best Illustrator Moonbeam award; Maggie Believed and Forever Ours were released in 2020 and both have won a Mom's Choice Award.

Colleen's newest illustrated book, Are You A Bird Like Me, was released in June 2022

Another passion for Colleen is community. She volunteers her time and art to many causes. She is a past board member the Billerica Alliance, The Billerica Cultural Council, Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce and The Brush Gallery, In 2012 she was voted "Woman of the Year" by the Billerica Boy's and Girl's Club and was nominated Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 with Enterprise Bank. She has been awarded "The Heart of Billerica Award" and is in the Shawsheen Tech. Hall of Fame